Raleigh AIRlite 200

[Headgardener]

Hi all. Thought this needed to be here.
What are your opinions of the above mentioned bike, are Raleigh still a good name or should I not touch it with a bargepole? Also are there any other touring bikes for up to £500 which would be a better buy as I am looking to maybe get a tourer some time in the spring? Many thanks for your input.

 

[fossyant]

They have upped their game again recently - there are apparently some serious stuff up to Pro level coming out - big article in either CW or C+ recently (can't remember which, as I get both)...

If the spec is good then why not ?

 

[Radius]

I've heard some not so favourable things about their current low end, including that Airlite. I dunno, components aren't all they could be for that price, but I don't have any personal experience of it.

 

[RedBike]

Is this the one?
http://www.nationalcycles.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=39046

Its not really what I would class as a touring bike, It's a bit of a stretch to clasify it as an audax bike!

 

[Radius]

It's got that slightly audaxy frame shame I suppose...